National Wildlife Federation Emerging Leaders Initiative

“Mobilizing Youth Participation in the Climate Movement”

About your Presenter:

Jomar Floyd – Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Council (ELC)

Presentation Overview:

• How NWF Engages Youth• The Impact of Youth Involvement• Best Practices for Youth Engagement• How to Move Forward with Youth

How NWF Engages Youth

Leadership Pipeline to engage youth at every level

K-12 •Eco-Schools

High Schools

•Earth Tomorrow

College •EcoLeaders

Post Graduates

• Emerging Leaders Initiative

How NWF Engages Youth: Campus Ecology Program

National Wildlife Federation has a 25 year history of working with colleges and universities through its Campus Ecology program to protect wildlife and habitat, and improve campuses overall green educational programming and onsite sustainability. Founded in 1989, its student outreach programs, campus consulting, natural resource reduction competition, and educational events and resources reach about 1,000 campuses each year.

www.CampusEcology.org

In 2014, NWF launched the EcoLeaders Initiative, a community for student and young professional environmental leaders, to support and build the future of conservation leadership of America. The new NWF EcoLeaders program is designed for emerging leaders who want to develop their career and leadership skills in the fields of the environment and conservation by developing and managing campus and community environmental improvement projects.

In the EcoLeaders community, students can:• Create an eco-mission to guide personal aspirations and values. • Design community service projects that provide career experience and make a tangible difference for people and wildlife.• Network with students and young professionals working on similar projects to inspire, share ideas and forge career connections. • Earn the NWF EcoLeader credential, a career distinction for resumes and social media pages.

www.NWFEcoLeaders.org

How NWF Engages Youth: EcoLeaders

How NWF Engages Youth: Fellowships

Since 2000, NWF has awarded over 150 fellowships to students across the country working on projects ranging from campus-wide energy audits to implementing sustainable forestry practices. Check out our searchable Campus Map to learn about current and past Fellows!

How NWF Engages Youth: Emerging Leaders Council

Professional Development

Strengthen strategy and advisory

skills.

Engage in peer-to-peer

mentoring.

Gain additional professional

development skills through

webinars and trainings that are

selected by members of the

council

Power Shift 09’, 11’, 13’- Bi annual event of networking and building awareness about climate change and cultivating leaders to spark action in our communities.

The Impact of Youth Involvement: National Conferences

Best Practices for Youth Engagement

Community Level Mentorship Partner with youth centered non-profits with similar

goals Youth representation on your local committees and

boards (college students, young professionals, etc.) Advisory board of young professionals for local

government/city initiatives.

Youth Engagement

• Community Projects Rain water collection system

• Environmental Awareness Events Tallahassee 350: One of more than 4,000 events

around the world for International Day of Climate Action to draw attention to rise in global warming.

Youth Engagement In Government

Higher Education Committee Hearing for Student Green Energy Fund

How to Move Forward with Youth

• Develop a Strategy for Youth Engagement• Consider which best practices could work for your

organization

• Set Goals for Youth Engagement • Be realistic about what you hope to accomplish and within

what timeframe

• Create a Youth Coordinator Position • Consider hiring someone to focus in on youth activities and

how to keep your organization relevant to young generations.

Questions?

Thank you!